Newport Rugby Club’s topsy-turvy season – and their place in the National League set-up – hinges on tomorrow’s must-win home match against Hereford.
A Newport victory will secure their place in National League Three Midlands for another season – providing Malvern lose at home to high flying Hinckley.
If the unthinkable happens and Newport lose their final game of the season, they will be left to sweat on Malvern’s final two results.
First team manager Gareth Davies said an all-action start was important to settle any nerves around Forton Road.
He said: “We need to win it early and not rely on drop goals or a last minute try.
“When we’ve gone ahead early this season we’ve done well and won games. We need to take it to them and move it around. After that the rest will come.
“I know the lads will want to bow out with a win.”
With no fixture for Newport over the Easter weekend, Davies journeyed to Hereford to watch them get beaten 7-41 against a strong Ampthill side.
Despite the drubbing, Davies knows that his team are in for a battle.
“They are aggressive and strong,” he said. “They have a good Fijian centre in Eric Rabuka and they look to build the game around him.
“But if we can control that area, we’ll be okay.”
Newport’s season started poorly with eight defeats from their first 10. But things have picked up since with important wins putting Newport in the driving seat in the relegation dogfight.
Though slightly disappointed that there will be no top half finish this year, Davies insists that survival will be an achievement in itself.
He added: “If we have the right attitude then we’ll be okay, we’ll stay up and that will be an excellent achievement.
“Of course you have to set the players targets and we asked for better. But I can’t fault their commitment, and if we do it and survive, I will take my hat off to them.”
Tomorrow’s match could prove to the swan song for some of Newport’s top players, with some expected to move on to pastures new during the summer.
One of those who might fancy trying his hand at a higher level is James Curgenven.
He picked up a nasty cut against Bromsgrove in Newport’s last outing but has recovered in time to start.
Phil Kaleta, meanwhile, has shaken off a should problem, leaving Newport at virtually full strength.
A big crowd is anticipated at Forton Road. Kick off is at 3pm.
By Sean Wozencroft
